Oyo Govt to Principals: Stop Charging Illegal Fees in Schools

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Uncategorized Wednesday, January 8th, 2014

Adelowokan

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has warned heads of government-owned schools to desist from charging fees under any guise in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi

Ajimobi gave the warning on Wednesday while hosting executive members of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) who paid him a visit in his office.

He mentioned that the free education policy of his administration in both primary and secondary schools, as he enjoined the school heads to avoid charging their students illegal fees but should rather work for the success of the students in public examinations.

“I have found out that some teachers were charging students underground fees; teachers should desist from charging any extra money or fee”, he said.

The governor urged the teachers to put in their best to produce students who would be the best in learning and character.

He explained that with about 30 per cent allocated to education in the 2014 budget, more funds would be available to transform the education sector.

The ANCOPSS State President, Mrs. Funmilayo Ojoawo, commended the education policy of the present administration, saying that this had helped in raising the standard of education in the state.

“We appreciate the fact that provision of free and quality education has become a huge investment; the government has not relented in providing free and qualitative education to all citizens and residents of Oyo State; tuition is totally free; government has employed highly qualified teachers to teach in our schools. This is highly commendable”, she remarked.

Ojoawo also lauded the prevailing peace in the state, which she said, had contributed immensely to the successes so far recorded by the Ajimobi administration.

“We thank God for the peace in Oyo State. It is a welcome development and we believe that Oyo of yesteryears that was known for hooliganism of the highest degree has now known peace. This is a major prerequisite for meaningful development. Whatever the magic wands God has entrusted to our governor to bring peace to Oyo State is highly appreciated”, she said.

The President however, appealed to the state government to ensure that secondary school teachers, who had been on Grade Level 16 for years, were promoted to Grade Level 17.

She also requested that serving principals be considered to fill the vacant posts of permanent secretaries in the state teaching service commission, while running grants to schools should be increased.